JON STEWART’s debut as host of “The Daily Show” was so seamless you’d hardly know he was new to the job.

His comedy style – characterized by a wry, knowing delivery – seems perfectly suited to the show, which derives its humor from the day’s headlines. Airing Monday through Thursday at 11 p.m. on Comedy Central, “The Daily Show” sees itself as a kind of anti-newscast, airing as it does opposite the real 11 o’clock newscasts on local stations.

Stewart is a late-night veteran as a guest and a host. He looked right at home on the “Daily Show” set Monday, his first day as Craig Kilborn’s replacement.

The most substantial change on the show was the absence of Kilborn, who has moved to CBS to take over Tom Snyder’s “Late Late Show” March 30.

Despite having a new host, “The Daily Show” looked pretty much as it always has, although Stewart’s anchor desk has been redesigned because he’s much shorter than Kilborn.

“Welcome! Welcome, welcome to ‘The Daily Show.’ Craig Kilborn is on assignment in Kuala Lumpur. I’m Jon Stewart!” the new host said, introducing himself and making the first of several references to his predecessor.

What followed were segments such as “Headlines,” in which the host joked about the impeachment trial and the pending marriage of Popeye and Olive Oyl; “While We Were Out,” in which the host poked fun at the NBA lockout; “A Hastily Thrown Together Editorial,” in which the host deadpanned a sarcastic meandering commentary; and “This Just In,” in which the host joked about the late Iron Eyes Cody.

Most of the stuff was top-of-the-line topical comedy. Among the stand-out segments were Stewart’s conversation with poker-faced political correspondent Stephen Colbert about the impeachment trial, and Stewart’s visit with guest Michael J. Fox.

The only segment marring Stewart’s debut was Beth Littleford’s interview segment with four of the diminutive actors who played munchkins in “The Wizard of Oz.” Her questions – about dwarfs and the size of their genitals, among other things – came off as needlessly mean and anything but funny.

The producers of “The Daily Show” haven’t altered much about the show, although they are phasing out two segments that were closely associated with Kil075 . 0000.00born – his “Five Questions,” in which he asks his celebrity guest five goofy questions, and “A Moment for Us,” a tongue-in-cheek commentary. Kilborn will likely revive them both on CBS.

Judging by the way the studio audience welcomed Stewart Monday night – with riotous laughter and applause – “Daily Show” fans will soon forget about Kilborn, if they haven’t already.